Kirsty Young

Young makes the familiar Desert Island Discs structure feel like a route into a life rather than a checklist of favourite songs. Her 2017 conversation with David Beckham moves between football, family and the cost of public decisions. Listen for the calm follow-up that asks a guest to stay with a feeling instead of rushing to the next record. The programme supplies the musical prompts; Young supplies the attentive pace and willingness to ask for more.